NFL playoff picks: Teams on the run do well

Quarterbacks command most of the attention in the modern NFL, their exploits filling nearly every headline, sound byte or video.

There's no commercial break, either. Try to watch a half-hour of TV without getting a pitch from Drew Brees, Peyton Manning or rookie Robert Griffin III.

But running the football is still very much in vogue, especially in the playoffs that commence this weekend.

The NFL's top three rushers, plus last year's No. 1 Arian Foster, will all be in action in the Wild-Card Round, including a head-to-head Sunday showcase of No. 2 vs. No. 3: Washington Redskins rookie Alfred Morris against Seattle Seahawks veteran Marshawn Lynch.

Morris ran for 200 yards last week to carry the Redskins into the playoffs with a requisite victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Minnesota's Adrian Peterson ran for 199 against Green Bay, finishing 9 yards short of Eric Dickerson's NFL single-season rushing record, but putting the Vikings into the tournament.

Nine of the league's top 13 rushers made the playoffs. Eight of the top 11 rushing teams advanced. The top three quarterbacks in passing yards – Brees, Matthew Stafford and Tony Romo – have gone fishing.

Some playoff teams still don't run very well: Green Bay ranked No. 20, Indianapolis No. 22 and Atlanta No. 29. The last two play in domes that preserve the passing environment, while the Aaron Rodgers air show continues to defy the arctic air and frozen tundra of Lambeau.

In the opening weekend's only indoor game, Houston's Foster, who led the NFL in rushing TDs this season with 15 while finishing No. 6 in yards, gets first crack Saturday against Cincinnati, which relies on former Patriot BenJarvus GreenEllis for most of its running.

Since they're still playing, we're still picking.

Saturday's games

Cincinnati (10-6) at Houston (12-4), 1:30 p.m. (KNBC/4): The Texans had three chances to win one more game and earn a bye this round, but failed. The Bengals had to win two on the road to get in, including at Pittsburgh, then beat division champion Baltimore at home. Momentum counts for much, and Texans QB Matt Schaub didn't finish well. Winner: Bengals. Cincinnati, this column's upset special, last won a playoff game in January 1991 against the Houston Oilers. It's time, and the Texans' Gary Kubiak might be the one playoff coach on the hot seat.

Minnesota (10-6) at Green Bay (11-5), 5 p.m. (KNBC/4): Christian Ponder threw three TD passes in the Vikings' upset of the Packers in Minnesota last week. That won't happen when the scene shifts to Lambeau, where Rodgers will have the Green Bay offense in high gear from the outset, and Minnesota won't be able to keep up. Winner: Packers. Look for James Jones, who led the NFL with 14 TD receptions, to add a pair as Green Bay advances. DB Charles Woodson's return won't hurt the Packers, either.

Sunday's games

Indianapolis (11-5) at Baltimore (10-6), 10 a.m. (KCBS/2): The remarkable Colts saga of Chuck Pagano back on the sideline and rookie star Andrew Luck at QB hits a snag. Once-in-a-generation linebacker Ray Lewis returns to the Ravens' lineup in what is expected to be his final NFL game, and Baltimore will do everything in its power to earn him more. Luck is special, but Ravens QB Joe Flacco has a very nice playoff resume, and just missed the Super Bowl last year because of a dropped TD pass and missed field goal. Winner: Ravens. Lewis' leadership ability is unsurpassed, and could carry Baltimore far.

Seattle (11-5) at Washington (10-6), 1:30 p.m. (Fox/11): Atlanta and San Francisco earned the first-round byes, but these might be the two best NFC teams at this juncture. Two rookie QBs that are remarkably error-free, Russell Wilson and RG III, run option-read offenses that feature great backs in Lynch and Morris. The difference will turn out to be on defense, where Seattle has the deeper unit. Washington lost Brian Orakpo early and has coped well, but will miss his pass rush. Winner: Seahawks. Unsung Seattle DE Chris Clemons (11.5 sacks) will succeed against RG III where Dallas' DeMarcus Ware failed last week.